I read The Invention of Hugo Cabret when it was first published - and loved it. Usually I don't give the film version a chance when that happens. (For example, I did not watch Angela's Ashes, nor did I watch Water for Elephants. For some reason, I gave Hugo a chance.)

Wow. I'm glad I did. This film is not only very faithful to the book - but sets the book in motion - which is, of course, entirely appropriate.

The choice of actors is perfect. The sets are fantastical and quite entirely beautiful. The photography is stunning. Martin Scorcese has outdone himself here.

This film picks up quite a pace and keeps you on the edge of your seat from then on. But it has a very worthwhile message, too.

Just to give you a sense of my context, I have a few film favourites that have been made (primarily) for children:
Into the West, with: Gabriel Byrne, Ellen Barkin, Ciarán Fitzgerald, Rúaidhrí Conroy, David Kelly
The Secret of Roan Inish, with: Jeni Courtney, Mick Lally, Eileen Colgan, Richard Sheridan, John Lynch, Susan Lynch, Cillian Byrne
The Three Lives of Thomasina, with: Patrick McGoohan, Susan Hampshire, Karen Dotrice, Matthew Garber, and the voice of Elspeth March as Thomasina the cat.

Hugo is now on my list.

This book is written by a Protestant (Evangelical Fundamentalist) Professor who is well-acquainted with Orthodoxy from an outsider point of view. While I have not read this particular book by Clendenin, I have read many articles by him, where he outlines topics like "Why I am not Orthodox". One wonders why he keeps on writing about Orthodoxy, and as an outsider, too.
If you truly want to become acquainted with Orthodoxy don't buy this book; instead try either of Bishop Kallistos Ware's books "The Orthodox Church" or "The Orthodox Way".The Orthodox Way
Or if you would prefer to have a beginner-level book that will give you a good understanding try Anthony M. Coniaris' book "Introducing the Orthodox Church: its faith and life".Introducing the Orthodox Church: Its Faith and Life
And if you want a core understanding through the medium of film try watching "The Island" directed by Pavel LounguineThe Island
Each of my suggestions are cheaper and will give you a better foundational understanding.

While I greatly appreciate film, I don't typically purchase them. I did buy this one, and will watch it many times.
Until this year, I had not watched a film equal to Red Beard (Akira Kurosawa/Toshiro Mifune in their last & greatest film together), until, that is, I watched The Island by Pavel Lounguine. It is simply stunning. It left me speechless for about an hour & a half.
A lot of films can put "what's wrong with us" in a nutshell; not many films can show us how to fix it.
Ultimately, it is a serious film, yet it has many funny moments, many touching moments.Lounguine handles this film so gently that it makes an enormous impact. A true masterpiece.
The Island